Update: Ceiling, Masonry Crack in Facade at LMS to Be Repaired This Summer

The 2010-11 Building Condition Survey Report for is in, and all of the buildings - from the elementary and secondary schools to administration - passed inspection.

Each building received a satisfactory rating, which means that the systems - the floors, lights, ceilings, windows, curbs, parking lots, roofs, HVAC, fire and security, etc. - are properly maintained and functioning as designed, according to New York state guidelines.

The only rating higher is excellent, which would be given if everything were new.

That's according to the report that was presented at the latest Lindenhurst Board of Education business at the McKenna Administration Building on .

However, the report - done by The Facilities Management Group, Incorporated, a Bellport-based architecture firm specializing in this type of consulting for schools and libraries - did prioritize maintenance issues that needed to be addressed.

Topping the list was the crack in the exterior masonry facade on the East wing of the . The report classified it as "urgent," according to John Marek, the district's plant facilities manager.

Marek told Lindenhurst Patch that the district will address the crack this Summer when repairs are set to start, as part of the existing capital improvements program for the 2011-12 school year.

He explained the district and the BOE set aside funds ($325,000*) last year for the repairs when it put together the current school year's budget. So the monies are already in place.

The same capital improvements funds will also be used to address the dated and dilapidated ceiling in the LMS. However, it won't be replaced this Summer. "It'll be refurbished," noted Marek.

In addition, the kitchen service line at will also be replaced at the end of this school year as part of the same program, Marek said.

As a result of the recommendations from the report - presented at the February 1 meeting by Ivan Carrasquillo, president/CEO of Facilities Management Group - the boilers at and the McKenna building will be replaced this Summer.

The district will go out for bid on the repairs at the LMS and LHS within a few weeks, according to the district. The cost for the boiler replacement is included in a performance contract, noted the district.*

Building Assessment
Carrasquillo noted that every five years since 2000 his firm has performed the necessary NYS inspections that call for a licensed architect or engineer and a NYS-certified code enforcement official. Each time his firm has produced a building report and a prioritized action plan for maintenance for the district to follow.

This time was no different. The two-person inspection team looked at every system in every budiling and evaluated their need for maintenance, upgrade or replacement depending on their current functionality and age, as per NYS guidelines, Carrasquillo said.

He went through a brief assessment of each building - naming the most important issues that'll need to be monitored and addressed.

For example, at Albany Avenue the windows will also need to be replaced due a lack of energy efficiency. Marek assured there's already plan in place for that event.

Windows were on the list at a few schools, including the LMS, Bower, Kellum, McKenna and . Roofs were on the list to be addressed at the LHS, , and Harding.

Replacement of original heating systems (boilers) were also the list for West Gates and Rall.

Electrical panel upgrades were on the list for Daniel Street and - especially as new computer equipment is added over the years.

Marek also assured that known past issues of water penetration at Alleghany Avenue are being monitored.

"We've been getting weekly reports, and even after the heavy rains we've had, they've been coming back clean," Marek said.

Masonry cracks were also noted at McKenna, Harding and Bower. Carrasquillo attributed the cracks - even the most severe one at the LMS - to settling rather than any looming structural problems.

"Buildings move constantly, and over the years facades separate, so it's something you need to mainatin and fix. There weren't controlled joints put into buildings years ago they way they are today to prevent masonry cracks," he said.

Editor's Note: *This information has been clarified by the school district and updated to reflect that by Lindenhurst Patch.